Part 1 of the three-part “Cobbs Creek Rising: “Headwaters to Horizons” streaming exclusively on GolfPass; airing on GOLF Channel on Tuesday, June 17
ORLANDO, Florida– Chronicling the $150 million golf renaissance that is turning a century-old public course into a destination for learning and leisure is the subject of Cobbs Creek Rising: Headwaters to Horizons, an epic docuseries streaming exclusively on the GolfPass website and mobile app.
The three-part, original GolfPass production will tell the story of how Philadelphia-area visionaries shouldered the task of bringing one of the country’s premier municipal golf courses back to its original glory. The Cobbs Creek Foundation has put in years of hard work to create a first class, inclusive, public golf experience that will rival top private golf clubs. But the real mission of the project is centered on providing a dynamic, state-of-the-art education and recreation campus that revitalizes the central hub of this urban community.
Part 1 of Cobbs Creek Rising: Headwaters to Horizons will make its television debut on GOLF Channel on Tuesday, June 17 at 7 p.m. ET.
“What happened here throughout history transforms this place to an icon at a different level for this city, this community, and the game,” said Cobbs Creek Project Development Manager Don Dissinger in the series’ first episode. “Cobbs Creek is the American dream in golf course form.”
Located not far from its celebrated Philadelphia neighbor, Merion Golf Club, Cobbs Creek Golf Course opened its 18 holes to the public in 1916. With architectural features that money couldn’t buy and a fast-growing reputation for welcoming both men and women from all backgrounds, it wasn’t long before Cobbs Creek was nationally recognized.
The course also became known as the “great uniter,” a place where white and black golfers could enjoy the game. Charlie Sifford, the first African American golfer to play and win on the PGA TOUR, called Cobbs Creek his home course.
Ultimately, time and neglect took their toll, forcing the course to shutter in 2020. While the golf community mourned, rumors ran rampant for years about a possible renovation. Those rumors became reality when the Cobbs Creek Foundation was formed in 2018 and made it their mission to turn this hidden gem into a polished pillar of the Philadelphia community once again.
“The Cobbs Creek story is far more than a golf course renovation, it’s a powerful testament to resilience, vision, and community commitment,” said Justin Tupper, GolfPass Senior Vice President of Content Strategy & Creative and Executive Producer of the Cobbs Creek docuseries. “We wanted to tell the story about rebuilding a legacy that once served as a vital hub for the neighborhood. The young people shaped by the Cobbs Creek program will leave a deeper impact than any putt ever made on its greens.
“It’s an inspiring reminder of how the game of golf can help uplift and transform a community for generations to come.”
“We are incredibly excited to see the past, present and the future of the Cobbs Creek golf course come to life in this series,” said Jeff Shanahan, president of the Cobbs Creek Foundation. “Cobbs Creek Rising: Headwaters to Horizons is a celebration of the passion, perseverance, and community spirit that have driven our mission from the beginning. We’re honored and proud to play a part in the story of Cobbs Creek golf course, and we look forward to sharing that story with the world.”
In Part 1 of Cobbs Creek Rising: Headwaters to Horizons, titled “Headwaters,” GolfPass producers interview the historians behind the revitalization project, Mike Cirba and Joe Bausch, founders of the Friends of Cobbs Creek who, fifteen years ago, brought the history and importance of the land to light and the need to preserve the golf course.
The interviews then follow the creation and evolution of the restoration project led by the Cobbs Creek Foundation, the current team executing the expansive project in the city of Philadelphia. Viewers will also hear from other key stakeholders in the project, golf course architects Gil Hanse and Jim Wagner, and members of the Philadelphia community who will benefit from the project.
All believe, when completed, Cobbs Creek will be one of America’s most impressive and important golf venues. The docuseries will follow all the projects involved in the renovation, showcasing:
- The Smilow Woodland TGR Learning Lab, backed by Tiger Woods’ TGR Foundation, which will provide educational enrichment for thousands of Philadelphia youth in STEAM curriculum
- A short course, designed by Woods’ TGR Design, a full-service golf course design firm
- A split-level driving range practice facility, plus a heritage museum, community event space and restaurant
- A world-class, championship golf course
The episode also will showcase how the new Cobbs Creek will benefit the West Philadelphia community, considered by many to be the city’s “forgotten corner.” “By providing a free place for kids and families to go, have fun and learn, the Smilow Woodland TGR Learning Lab will be transformational within the community,” said Meredith Foote, executive director of the TGR Learning Lab at Cobbs Creek.
Across three episodes, GolfPass will illustrate the momentum Cobbs Creek has gained through public and private support from within the Philadelphia community and also from a larger community of golfers nationwide.
Part 2 of the docuseries will premiere on GolfPass in 2026, with Part 3 scheduled for early 2027. Both remaining episodes will follow further steps along the renovation path, including architecture and design, construction, and the big reveal of the finished project on opening day.
The Cobbs Creek Rising: Headwaters to Horizons production team includes Justin Tupper, executive producer, and Fran Solomita, producer & director.
